GORTON STREET GAZETTE
“1997 Centenary Match”
Today our 1XV entertain Ormskirk RUFC who were founded in the
1926/27 Season by “enthusiasts who had played the game at public
school”. The first captain, Dennis Suffern, was the son of a local doctor
and matches were played at the back of the Eureka Hotel, on land owned
by Thomas Coulton, whose son, Joe, became the next captain. Their first
official game was against King George V School, Southport. Ormskirk
were unable to find a permanent ground for some years, playing at
Churchfields and Cottage Lane before in the mid 1950's the Green Lane
pitches became available and with the approval of the local council, and
after a great financial struggle, the ground was obtained and the present
clubhouse was opened in 1965.
Eccles RFC appear to have had their first fixture with Ormskirk three
years after formation on 28th October, 1929. The Eccles journal reported
"Eccles arrived at Ormskirk late and the match was confined to thirty
minutes each way. Whoever secured the ball either from the scrum or
lineout was quickly tackled. The home team frequently kicked to advantage,
but were effectively prevented from scoring. Neither team secured
points up to half time. After a few minutes play in the second half, an
infringement from which a penalty goal resulted gave Ormskirk the lead.
Superior combinations transferred the ball to Ormskirk's five yard line,
where a long struggle and good work by the forwards enabled F. F.
Townsend (Eccles Captain),
to record a try which J. H. Bickershaw
improved. Frequent kicking gained ground for Ormskirk, but their finishing
was poor, though their tactics prevented Eccles from further scoring.
Ormskirk 3 v Eccles 5. The return fixture was played on 19th April,1930.
GORTON STREET GAZETTE
“1997 Centenary Match”
Extracts from the Eccles RFC committee minute books:
50 years ago. 1972.
24th April, 1972 - Easter Monday, Eccles played the Welsh touring team, Seven Sisters.
A letter of thanks had been received from the tourists from Neath, West Glamorgan. The
local coal pit owner, Evan Evans-Bevan, had named the colliery after his seven daughters
in 1872. The Eccles committee observed that, "despite one or two minor setbacks, the
day had been a great success.” The previous week it was noted in the minute book
regarding arrangements for the Easter Touring team. Mr. R. Erlston (bar secretary) said
that he would ensure that the bar was sufficiently well stocked. A firm order for catering
for both Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday had been made by Mr. D. Brown (secretary)
as it was a busy weekend for fixtures:
1st April - Eccles 1st XV v Prestwich; Eccles 3rd XV v Prestwich; Colts XV v Widnes.
A. G. M. 5th June, 1972
3rd April (Easter Monday) - Eccles v Seven Sisters.
The Colts once again, had a very good season - played 31, won 23, lost 8.
Eccles 1st XV playing record - played 46, won 22, lost 22, drawn 2.
In the Griffin plaque competition Eccles had again reached the final, only to lose 21-4
against Didsbury Toc H.
Chairman Ron Pennington thanked Ray Cook, serving on the Social committee, for "his
efforts entertaining us and for the money he has raised. I trust he will continue the good
work.” Well done Ray, still supporting the club on Saturday afternoons.
25 years ago. 1997.
Three main events were held to celebrate the Centenary season in 1997:
The Centenary match - between the Exiles and Eccles 40s featured a few familiar names
from the two teams - Pickersgill, Dore, Wilkinson, Bent, Nicholls, Erlston, Leigh, Jones,
Fritton, Griffiths, Sulway.
The Centenary Dinner - 9th May, 1997. Invited guests included Phil Bennett OBE (29
Welsh caps, captaining the side to 2 triple crowns and a grand slam), Brian Leigh
(Chairman of the Manchester District Referees Society, Secretary of Lancs County RFC)
and Dr. Terry Crystal (England team doctor).
The Centenary Dinner Dance - held on the 14th June, 1997.
